WHAT’Snew
Freelance writer Sharleen Nelson compiled this information from press releases sent to the L&L editorial office. The L&L staff does not
review the products and resources, and they are offered here without recommendation. Send press releases to products@iste.org.
Teaching Channel has introduced Channel Teams,
a professional development
platform for collaborating
with colleagues; sharing
best practices; mentoring or receiving coaching from others;
as well as sharing video, lesson plans, and other resources.
The 600 professionally produced videos feature instructional
strategies that teachers can incorporate into the classroom.
Teachers can use the video-capture feature to easily upload
their own videos from any iPad or iPhone within the Teaching Channel Teams environment. The platform is designed
for a single school, district, or larger network of educators.
MORE INFO: www.teachingchannel.org/Teams
Schoolfy has
launched a free
classroom man-
agement system
that streamlines
class preparation, grading, and communication with stu-
dents and parents. Integrated with a range of networking
tools, the Schoolfy platform allows teachers to set up a
private social network for managing classroom tasks, such
as assigning students to classes and small groups, grad-
ing and assigning homework, and providing parents with
real-time notifications about their child’s progress as well as
administrative tasks, such as collecting dues for field trips.
Educators can also create interactive worksheets. Sign up
for the free platform at the Schoolfy website.
MORE INFO: www.schoolfy.com
Evan-Moor Educational publishers has introduced a 12-
week, accelerated phonics
program designed to provide
instruction and practice for students who struggle with
reading. Bridge the Gap: Phonics for students in primary
grades 1–3 and intermediate grades 4–6 builds vocabulary
and reading skills through whole-group and small-group
listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. Using
a systematic teach-practice-apply model, students have
opportunities to practice and apply the skills via hands-on
games, phonics reading, fun activities, and independent
written practice. Pre- and post-testing allows instructors to
access and track student progress.
MORE INFO: bit.ly/163mn8b
The new multifunctional
four-in-one Stylus
Touch Pen from Ansmann combines the functions of a
stylus, a pen, a laser, and a flashlight into a lightweight and
versatile accessory. The pen can serve as a PDA stylus with
any touchscreen device, including tablets and smartphones,
or as a ballpoint pen for traditional handwritten correspon-
dence. For classroom presentations, the laser pointer helps
teachers and lecturers stay on point. The all-in-one pen also
includes a high-range LED flashlight. Housed in silver alumi-
num, the compact pen also includes a clip and comes with
three LR41 alkaline button-cell batteries.
MORE INFO: bit.ly/1gc8MAg